Who are Reverend Parris, Betty, and Abigail? What is their relationship?
Reverend Parris and Betty are father and daughter respectively. Abigail was taken in by Parris because she was a homeless orphan.
Who is Tituba? What is her relationship to the family?
Tituba is a slave that Parris picked up in Barbados. She does work around the house as well as entertain and keep an eye on the children.
What is wrong with Betty?
Betty is (possibly) sick with fever. This could be as a result of being outside in the dark with little warmth.
Why does Parris suggest calling in Reverend Hale?
Parris calls Reverend Hale because he does not want his reputation to be damaged by the accusations of witchcraft.
Who are Ann and Thomas Putnam? What do they suggest is Betty´s problem? What is their motivation for suggesting this?
Ann and Thomas Putnam are residents of the small village. They suggest its Betty's problem because Parris had prevented one of their relatives from attaining office, and want to remove him from power.
Who is Ruth? What is her relationship to the Putnams?What is wrong with her? How do the Putnams tie her problem to Betty's?
Ruth is the only surviving child of the Putnams. She has also come down with some sickness, Ann Putnam even saying she was close to her dead sisters. The Putnams use her condition along with Betty's to show that Witchcraft has befallen on Salem.
Who is Mercy Lewis? What is her relationship to the Putnams?
Mercy Lewis is a, according to the book, fat, sly, merciless girl who is 18. She is the servant to the Putnams.
What does the conversation between Abigail, Mercy Lewis, Mary Warren and Betty reveal about their recent activities?
The conversation between the five girls reveals that Abigail tried to kill Mrs. Proctor via a ritual or spell that involved drinking blood. It also reveals that Tituba tried to talk to Ruth's sisters also through a ritual as well as a few of them danced naked.
Who is John Proctor? What is his relationship to Mary Warren? What is his relationship to Abigail? How does he feel about his relationship with Abigail?
John Proctor is a 34-37 year old farmer, to which Mary Warren is his servant. He and Abigail had a sexual encounter that he now regrets.
Who is Elizabeth Proctor? What does Abigail think of her? How might this affect the outcome of the play?
Elizabeth Proctor is the wife of John Proctor, who thinks Abigail is filthy. Abigail thinks that Elizabeth hates her because of how much she works Abigail. As a result, Abigail wants her dead so she can get with John.
Who is Giles Corey? Why is he introduced into the play?
Giles Corey is an 83 year old man. He helps John Proctor and reveals why he and John do not like Mr. Putnam.
Who is Rebecca Nurse? What is her role likely to be in the play?
Rebecca Nurse is the wife to Francis Nurse, who owns lots of land to the point where he and the Putnams have a land dispute. Rebecca will most likely be a mediator of sorts, who the Putnams will often have disputes with.
What is the issue of Parris' salary raised?
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